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Van Security and Insurance

We are sure that it comes as no great surprise to you that vans and its contents are often a prime target for thieves and this is because the vans contents can be rich pickings for any burglar. Therefore, if you are a van owner, then van insurance and security should be your key concern to keep your possessions safe.

Purchasing fully comprehensive van insurance cover from a reputable insurance company is at the top of the list for keeping your van secure. Van insurance cover can be purchased online or over the phone but it’s imperative you make your insurer aware if you plan to use your van for commercial / business purposes.

We would like to help keep your van safe by giving you some information to help prevent unwanted van crime, so we will give you some information on security, visual deterrents, parking and van insurance.

Secure your van

Most thieves operate simply on time. The longer it will take to get the job done, the less likely that they will even bother with the vehicle.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve bought a new van or you are just looking to upgrade security on your current van, the following security items all play a part in keeping your van and its contents secure.

• Your very first line of defense is to make sure the van is kept locked at all times. It does not matter if the van is parked on your drive, locked away in a garage or being driven along the road; it is best to  keep your doors locked at all times to protect yourself and your valuables.
• Van window blanks fit right over the entire window to block the view of what is being stored in the van to the outside. A thief will usually go after something that is definitely there, rather than gambling on the chance of breaking into a van for no reward. Therefore if they can’t see what valuables are on offer, they may move on to the next target.
• Get an alarm for the van. Over half a million vehicles are stolen in the UK every year but one way to decrease the chance of your van being stolen is to fit a quality alarm system. There are many alarm systems on the market these days to suit any budget.
• Have an immobiliser installed. An immobiliser is an electronic device that requires a personalised touch key, remote fob or transponder key. Without this, the van engine will not start, so your vehicle will be protected from being stolen; although this will not guarantee the contents will remain in place.
• Get some locking wheel nut. You don’t have to have fancy wheels installed on your van as thieves are also happy to target basic steel rims. If they are not interested in the wheel, they can certainly target the tyres. Keep your tyres safe with protection for less than £10 per wheel.
• Install a lockable fuel cap to protect your fuel. The cost of petrol and diesel has sky-rocketed over the past year or so meaning that thieves have been targeting fuel. Protect yours by installing a lockable fuel cap on your van so thieves can’t gain access.
• Get a stereo that is removable, so nothing is left on display. Alternatively, some sound systems come with a removable fascia that you take with you when you park your van. This just ensures there is nothing tempting left in plain view.
• Slam Locks are useful for drivers who make regular deliveries. It means the doors lock when you slam them shut, so all you need to worry about is that you have your keys with you when you leave the van.
• A steering wheel lock is a good deterrent. It may only be a cheap and basic form of protection for you van, but it could just mean a thief will pass your vehicle by for another that isn’t protected.
• A GPS tracker is useful is all else has failed and your van has been stolen. A GPS device can help to track the vehicle down.

Overall, the best way to safeguard your van against thieves is to have several deterrents in place. Some of the above security features will not only help to protect your van and its contents on a daily basis, but could also save you money each year on your van insurance policy costs.

Call 0800 3698592 for a free van insurance quote

Visual deterrents

It may be a good idea to get one of those stickers that read, "No tools are kept in this vehicle overnight". If you do choose to use this kind of sticker on your van, then please make sure you abide to what it says by removing all tools and personal possessions at the end of every day.

A visual deterrent is a cheap and easy option for van drivers to choose. Although some thieves may not believe you and will break into the vehicle anyway, if there aren't any tools in the van then they probably won't ever try your vehicle again.

Call 0800 3698592 for a free van insurance quote

Parking the vehicle

Security and visual deterrents may be effective but you could further protect your van security when it’s parked up. You may be forced to park in the street so where possible park in a busy, well-lit area. It may not be the most secure, but thieves do not usually operate in well-lit areas.

If possible, then reverse your van up against a wall as this makes it more difficult for thieves to get at the back of the van
Be sure to lock all doors and windows to the van when left unattended. There is no point in keeping your valuables out of sight if you forget to shut the windows or lock the doors to the van.

Do not leave any items which could entice a thief on display. Remove all valuables where possible, or at least keep then out of sight.

Finally, DO NOT leave your keys inside the van. It may be an obvious point, but not always adhered to when you may just be popping in the shop to quickly grab a paper. If the keys are in your van when it gets stolen it is unlikely your insurance company will pay out for any repair or replacement.

Call 0800 3698592 for a free van insurance quote

Van insurance

Insurance also has an important role to play when it comes to owning and securing your van. An insurance policy is a form of risk management and is provided in return for an annual premium.

Before taking out any insurance, policy, check that your chosen van insurance provider has adequate cover to meet your individual needs.  There is no point in taking out an insurance policy that doesn’t meet the individual insurance cover you require.

It all depends whether you require van insurance for private, personal use or for commercial / business reasons.

For example, be sure of the following:

• What is included in the insurance policy?
• Are all the goods you transit covered by the policy?
• Is windscreen repair or replace covered by the insurance policy?
• If personal belongings are stolen will these be covered by your policy?
• Will a temporary replacement van be provided if yours gets stolen or damaged?

Following all of the above information in regards to securing the van, placing visual deterrents in the van and choosing carefully where you park the vehicle will go some way to reducing the likelihood of your van and its contents being damaged or stolen.

This keeps you safe in the knowledge that you won’t need to claim on your van insurance which means only good news. You can rest assured that every year which passes without you claiming on your insurance will save you money as you will be able to bank your No Claims Discount.

Regardless of what accident or damage may occur, if you’ve taken out adequate van insurance cover then even if the worst should happen then you can rest assured that you’ll be back on the road undertaking your usual business in no time.

Call 0800 3698592 for a free van insurance quote

** The information provided by Powerseeker in this article is for information purposes only. Any reliance you place on the information is strictly at your own risk. **

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John Duckham

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